canuck

I'm at 173.6 today. I was 2 pounds lighter in the middle of the week. All I have to do is be invited to one dinner, and I gain back all I lost!!!! Have to find a way to manage eating out!

I'm in...

How wonderful for you! Feel the joy! Its the little things BUT not just the little things--its the surprises..the things you didn't expect- didn't expect so soon. Congratulations!

Wow. Thanks all for your responses. I will join the group to report daily intake and I will need to cut out carbs completely. I don't eat them regularly but I've been in situations from time to time when I forget to eat and feel weak. I sometimes rely on carbs to avoid feeling faint-they seem to be so readily available in a pinch. How do you deal with weekends when everyone is having wine? I find his really difficult.

I would love to hear how those who have been so successful have done it. I was banded on July 16, 2009, and went through a long period of getting small fills and feeling very little restriction. I'm now up to 9cc and finally I can feel restriction. I have lost 35 pounds (down from 205 to 170) but I hope to lose another 35 by my one year anniversary. I'm not complaining about how I look (lost lots of inches) or feel (much healthier), but for the past 3 months I seem to go up and down 3 pounds, rather than keep going down. I exercise 4 days a week. I eat primarily broiled chicken, yogurt (30 cal per 100grams),and salad (home made dressing-very little)--and easily one third of what I used to eat. I tend to graze rather than eat specific meals. I am inspired by reading all your achievements--especially those of you who have reached their goal. Bravo! Can you send me some advice? Many thanks

thanks--tomorrow I am going to ask for another cc and see if 8.3 does the trick. I will also ask my Dr if Ontario covers this. thanks so much.

Oh, I know how you feel.!!! I have 7.3 cc's in an 11 cc band, and I don't feel much restriction, and I am not losing weight-not for the last 10 weeks since I've been on food. I don't know how much more I can put in, and I feel like I'm never going to see the loss I was hoping for. any advice out there?

Hi I'm sorry I don't have an answer to your question, but as a fellow Canadian, I am wondering how you can get the fill for free. I have to pay here in Ontario, as it isn't covered by medicare. Also, while I am at it, can you tell me what kick started your major weight loss? I lost 10 pounds pre op, 15 pounds during the liquid period, and in the last 10 weeks, I've been playing with 3 pounds--up and down. I am at 7.3 cc's but I only feel minimal restriction. I'm feeling quite frustrated, and not looking for quick losses just some consistent downward movement Any advice? much appreciated.

Hi all: I had surgery on July 15 and have lost 16 pounds since the surgery, most during the first 21 days of liquids. Basically, I can maintain my current weight with the restriction I have from 6.5 cc of fill. I am unable to lose more weight. I have heard that it is not unusual to need over 7 cc's. Is this true? I have not found the so-called sweet spot. Its true I cannot eat as much as before the surgery, but I am have not virtually nothing for over two months, and I'm not sure what I should do? I'm not looking for radical change. I was hoping to lose the rest of the weight slowly but steadily--which is not happening. Does anyone have some advice for me?

Hi all. I think I need some advice about how to deal with fills. My surgery was on July 16th. I lost 10 pounds quickly-basically in the two weeks following. Since then (almost a month) I have lost only 4 pounds. On Aug 17th, I had my first fill-4cc's. I felt no restriction--at least I dont think I did. I have not lost any weight, and have tried eating less and drinking more to see if the weight would come off. Yesterday I had another fill: 1 cc. I still do not feel any restriction--for eg, last weekend I had to go to a family wedding, and decided to be careful, but do small tastings of the many foods. I had no trouble with any sort of food I ate--but I didnt overdo on quantity. Everything went down with ease. What should I feel, and how do I find out what the right amount of fill is for me? And how often should I see my doctor for fills, without having him refuse to do the fills? I'd really appreciate any advice you have.

Do you have anyone who can do the fill without the X-ray fluoroscope in Calgary. I just had one done without it, in Ottawa, and the doctor told me that the port was so accessible and well placed that he had no difficulty doing it. It didnt hurt and went extremely well. If you can't find what you are looking for, you might consider this. Good luck!

I'm so sorry to hear how that went. I just had my first fill this week, and I was very worried about the pain. My fill doctor told me that Dr. Ortiz had placed the port in a perfect place and he had no trouble doing it. I hardly felt the needle at all. Best of luck for the X ray version.

Thanks for the help Lea. My husband is making a BBQ!!!! So, there is no way I was going to eat what he makes anyway!! I am quite happy with my soups and yogurt so far. I wont mind a week of only liquids.

Hi everyone...I have had a great post op period and now feel no restriction. I am planning my first fill but the appointment I was given coincides with a day I am having people over in the evening. I wondered if anyone has had enough discomfort or problems after the fill to not be able to have company over the same day...appreciate the help Thx

Hi all. I was banded on July 16th and I am doing very well. I thought the experience at the Center was fabulous and my recovery has been uneventful!!! I have a few questions relating to pain. When I getup from a comfy chair or couch or when I bend down, I sometimes get an excruciating pain in my midriff. It takes about a minute to go away. Is this temporary? Will it affect the band--slippage, for example? Will it affect the healing to my stomach? Is there any way to avoid this? Many thanks

Wow! Never thought of that! Thanks for letting me know.

Great Annette...see you there! ...my name is Andrea

Hi. I am listed as a "newbie" and wondered what the difference is between a newbie, member, advanced, supreme, etc. Are these categories based on some criteria or payment? Thanks all.

I flight arrives in San Diego at 7 30 pm...don't know what time we get into hotel. My surgery has been moved to the 16th now, so will have pre-op in the morning and surgery in the afternoon. We are staying until the 19th just for a rest...Maybe we could connect late on the 15th or on the 16th sometime?

Hi all. I am on my way to OCC next week for surgery and am wondering if there are any bandsters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Perhaps a support group, or interest in forming one? I've been researching this for over a year, and I am so excited!

Hi. Im travelling down on July 15th, arriving in the evening and staying at the Marriott. Surgery scheduled for the 17th. Hope to meet anyone who will be there at that time!

Thanks all for the helpful advice. I feel confident that it will not be a problem, but this allergy season has been tough in Canada, and I've had a few puffs over the past few days. Its helpful to know that others with asthma have gone through the surgery. I'm flying down on the 15th--and sooo excited!

Hello all. I am going to have surgery soon, and wondered if non-serious, periodic asthma is a concern. Can anyone help me understand what the pre-op process is, and what if anything the Centre looks for in preparing for surgery? Many thanks

Hi all. I am glad someone is talking about this because I was just about to schedule surgery for sometime in the next 6 weeks and now I am wondering if I should hold off until this outbreak is over. Is the outbreak near Tijuana, and if so, do you think there is any way to avoid contact with anyone outside of the clinic personnel and patients?

Hi everyone. I am just starting my research and wondered if anyone has has had the band surgery paid for by insurance? My insurer in Canada is Sun Life, and I havent asked them yet if they will cover this--Is anyone aware of firms that will cover this if I can show a serious medical condition? or is this hopeless?